Melbourne, a summary

Today I leave for Bairnsdale but I thought Id round up with a summary of my impressions of Melbourne.

I cannot praise it highly enough. The people, from all races and mixed ones though mainly, as you would expect, the non-Caucasian were mainly SE Asia. The publlic transport is fantastic with not just the tourist tram circular route free but all trams in the centre. If you want  want to use a tram outside the centre (or bus or train) you need to buy a prepaid card and load it with money. Unlike Hong Kong Octopus card you cannot get a refund on the card or unused cash at the end of your visit so a bit hard on tourists. And the instructions are a bit odd - you have to tap your card on on all forms of transport but not off on trams.
I've used rail as well and though a bit tatty, really effficient. But the folks here love their cars, driving hell for leather between the very frequent traffic lights. The lights do mean crossing roads is easy and drivers and cyclists(!) are very polite with pedestrians. By the way to turn right (the drive on the same side as UK) you get in the LEFT lane. All that traffic does mean the air gets a bit thick (though no smog) as can be seen from what happened to this poor duck exposed to the atmosphere.

There are some rather impressive toilets dotted about

and I only scratched the surface on what to do and where to eat.

BUT my overwhelming memory is trees. Streets are lined with them both native introduced so elms and oaks and sweet chestnut are side by side with palms.

These don't just give shade and reduce the temperature but their green makes up for the problems other plants have in growing here. And the reason is the heat. Temperatures in the 90s have not been uncommon and whilst most places and some trams are air conditioned, it can be a struggle moving around Sunglasses, hat and factor 50.

A wonderful place and, if you get the chance, try it.